Introduction

Recording a podcast remotely or conducting long-distance interviews has become increasingly popular in recent years. Remote recording allows podcasters to book guests that would be difficult to interview in person and provides flexibility in terms of scheduling and logistics. It also enables podcasters to record video podcasts, have multiple people on the podcast at once, and conduct interviews safely during periods of social distancing. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore four different methods for recording podcasts remotely, along with best practices to ensure high-quality recordings.

Option #1: Use Video Conferencing Software

Best for: Beginner podcasters on a budget

Video conferencing software offers a simple and accessible way to record remote podcast interviews. Among the various options available, Zoom is one of the most popular and user-friendly choices.

Recording a remote podcast with Zoom

Zoom provides apps for Macs, PCs, Apple iPhones, and Android devices, making it accessible to a wide range of users. The platform allows you to invite guests to a video call and easily hit record. It also offers a free plan that allows for up to 40 minutes of recording.

While Zoom is convenient, it's important to note that it compresses audio, resulting in average quality recordings. However, there are some settings you can adjust to optimize your recording experience. These include:

• Recording a separate audio file for each participant
• Enabling "Original Sound" in the audio settings
• Turning on High-fidelity music mode

It's also recommended to turn off video during the recording to save bandwidth, especially if you have a weaker internet connection.

Other video conferencing options like Google Hangouts and Microsoft Teams are available, but Skype is not recommended due to its lower audio quality and user-friendliness issues.

Option #2: Use Remote Podcast Recording Software

Best for: Podcasters who want to record high-quality audio and video

For podcasters looking for studio-quality recordings, remote podcast recording software is a great option. These platforms utilize local recordings to ensure the highest audio and video quality possible. They often come with additional features that enhance the recording and editing process.

Riverside.fm

Riverside.fm is a popular remote recording platform that allows you to record high-quality audio and video interviews, even with a less-than-perfect internet connection. It offers plans starting at $15 per month and provides bonus features such as listener call-ins, live-streaming to social media, and browser-based video editing. However, it's worth noting that some users have reported video framerate issues during recordings.

SquadCast

SquadCast is another remote recording software that simplifies the process of recording audio and video for multiple participants. While it may be slightly more challenging to set up compared to Zoom, it offers superior sound quality by generating locally recorded WAV files. SquadCast plans start at $20 per month for audio and can be upgraded to include video recording as well.

Additional options for remote podcast recording software include Alitu, Zencastr, Ringr, and Cleanfeed, each with their own unique features and pricing structures.

Option #3: Record Phone Calls Through a Mixer

Best for: Podcasters and guests without a stable internet connection

In situations where guests don't have access to a stable internet connection or are less tech-savvy, recording phone calls can be a viable option. While this method is relatively easy for guests, the audio quality tends to be lower due to the compression applied by phone networks.

To record phone calls through a mixer, you will need a strong cell signal, a podcast microphone, headphones, an iPhone or Android phone, a 1/4" cable, and an XLR microphone. By connecting your phone to a mixer like the Rodecaster Pro, both you and your guest can record the phone call. It's important to ensure that both parties record their audio separately to cover all bases.

Option #4: Record a Double-Ender

Best for: Achieving professional sound quality on a budget

A double-ender recording involves each participant recording their audio locally on their own computer using podcast editing software like Audacity or Descript. This method allows for studio-quality audio recordings, but it requires more setup and coordination between participants.

To set up a double-ender recording, follow these steps:

1. Start a Zoom or Skype call to establish communication.
2. Open podcast editing software on both computers.
3. Record the audio from your USB microphone.
4. Start recording on both ends.
5. Clap to mark the time on both recordings.
6. Finish the interview.
7. Save the audio recordings as uncompressed WAV files.
8. Share the files with your editor using Dropbox or Google Drive.

Recording a double-ender can be challenging, but it ensures the best audio quality regardless of the internet connection. It's crucial to communicate and coordinate with all participants to ensure a smooth recording process.

Best Practices for Remote Recordings

To achieve the best possible recording quality for your remote podcast interviews, consider the following best practices:

1. Ensure all participants have a strong and stable internet connection.
2. Choose a quiet recording space to minimize background noise.
3. Use headphones or earbuds to eliminate audio bleed.
4. Minimize background noise by applying DIY acoustic treatments or using furniture and rugs to absorb reverberant noise.
5. Use a dynamic XLR or USB microphone with a pop filter to minimize ambient sound and plosives.
6. Consider booking recording time at a local recording studio for more control over the recording environment.

Summary

Recording a podcast remotely or conducting long-distance interviews offers podcasters a range of benefits, including increased flexibility and the ability to reach guests who may be difficult to meet in person. By utilizing video conferencing software, remote podcast recording software, phone call recording through a mixer, or double-ender recordings, podcasters can achieve high-quality results based on their specific needs and budget. Implementing best practices for remote recordings, such as ensuring a strong internet connection and using suitable recording equipment, will help you produce professional and engaging podcasts regardless of the physical distance between you and your guests.

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